WHEREAS, current reclamation plans for water treatment at the mine sites contemplate the complete cessation of 

 water treatment as soon as the year 2028. 



NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF 

 THE STATE OF MONTANA: 



That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee, pursuant to section 5-5- 

 217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to review the reclamation efforts at the Zortman and Landusky mine 

 sites to: 



(1) identify the impacts on surface water and ground water, including the recent degradation of Swift Gulch, 

 attributable to past or present activities at the mine sites; 



(2) determine if there are identifiable downstream impacts on the Milk and Missouri River drainages attributable 

 to past or present activities at the mine sites; 



(3) determine whether the surface water and ground water resources in the watersheds affected by the mine 

 operations are being protected by the current or proposed state reclamation; and 



(4) determine the potential impacts to surface water and ground water resources if additional funding for water 

 treatment and reclamation does not become available. 



BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study be conducted by reviewing available research reports and by 

 sohciting testimony and information fi-om knowledgeable individuals, academic institutions, and the appropriate 

 local, state, tribal, and federal agencies. 



BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, in particular, representatives of the Fort Belknap Reservation 

 Environmental Department be included in the study and participate in developing fmdings and recommendations. 



BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, if the study is assigned to staff, any fmdings or conclusions be presented to 

 and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council. 



BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be 

 concluded prior to September 15, 2004. 



BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any fmdings, conclusions, 

 comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 59th Legislature. 



-END- 



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